"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever." - Alfred Lord Tennyson
Mother's Day is fast-approaching and while it's one thing to search for that perfect gift for your lovely mamacita, maybe it's a bouquet of freshly picked flowers, or cooking up her favorite meal to show your endless appreciation for let's face it, the hardest job in the world - it's another thing entirely to BE a mama and feel that the best gift you can give yourself and your littles is finding the time to get together with like-minded lovelies who lift you up.
We were honored to help the magnificent Isobel Bensch from Bel & Beau in collaboration with the ever-inspirational ladies fromBeijos Events find the perfect venue, Barrels & Branches, to host the most beautiful mamas/littles luncheon in honor of Mother's Day! Bel & Beau is a lifestyle brand dedicated to living elegantly. Isobel started her blog originally as a love letter to her son, Holden, and it has since blossomed into a go-to guide for mamas and non-mamas alike for fashion, beauty & adventures in motherhood. The theme of this beautiful luncheon, captured wonderfully by Kayla Adams is what we all hope our littles will say to us one day "Mom, you're a peach."
Barrels & Branches, the sweetest plant nursery venue tucked away on a quiet hill in North County San Diego enclave, Encinitas is a garden oasis filled with a vast collection of succulents and cactus as well as numerous picturesque spaces aching for intimate events. As you'll see with this lovely luncheon, we can't imagine a more beautiful day than being surrounded by gorgeous flora, a spectacular spread & beautiful friends & babies!
Words by Isobel Benesch of Bel & Beau | Photography by Kayla Adams
A few words about this gathering...
With Mother's Day fast approaching, I wanted to create a time and space to celebrate and connect with mamas who inspire me and lift me up. There is something quite magical about connecting and spending time with like-minded mothers.
You suddenly realize that you are not alone on this journey of motherhood. I worked with Beijos Events to create a mama/child playdate luncheon, You are a Peach, to gather, connect, and celebrate all that is motherhood.
Why it's important for moms to gather together?
It is incredibly important for mothers to feel connected to other mothers and to have the opportunity to share experiences and learn from one another.
Becoming a mother can at times feel somewhat isolating, but connecting with other mothers make you realize that you don't have to make the journey through motherhood alone, that there are others who have already made the walk that you are doing and understand exactly what you are through.
It truly takes a village to raise children and in today's culture, we don't have the support and community that generations past did. Gathering with mothers creates the community that we lack in today's day in age, one of understanding, support, and inspiration.
Tell us a little about the venue. What you liked about it?
The venue is gorgeous. Tucked away in a quiet spot at the top of a hill in Encinitas, Branches & Barrels is an unexpected surprise. Enveloped in lush green plants, this space is whimsical and magical and celebrating there feels as though you are transported into another world.
Describe the design and some of the details.
For the design of this pretty little party we were inspired by the color peach and the saying "you're a peach" which any mom would want to hear from their little! We hadn't used peach in an event before and really loved the way the color popped at the lunch. I worked with Beijos Events on the event design and style and they really worked their magic to create something spectacular. I wanted something bright and colorful to pop against all of the greenery and to feel special and intimate for the mothers involved.
When hosting your own event you can find inspiration anywhere; the color of the sunset, a poem you read, this particular event was inspired by a still life I saw of a few peaches painted so beautifully! Once you have your inspiration, run with it and don't be afraid!! For us, any occasion calls for gorgeous flowers, MV Florals really did this one justice with her amazing arrangements.
Then you have to have delicious and fun desserts, that's why we turned to Hey There Cupcake who is the best!! Her imaginative take on these yummy peach inspired bites was so incredible.
Another tip, when having mamas and their little ones, hold the event at a place that's kid friendly and has fun things for them to do or a place for them to run around and play! Lastly, make sure you relax and have fun with all of your guests, because that is THE most important part!!
How about the food? Do you have any tips to share with other moms who want to host something similar?
We worked with The Cheese Store San Diego to provide all of the delicious food. With children involved, finger foods are a great option because it's something that both the moms and little ones can easily enjoy.
The Cheese Store San Diego created mouthwatering finger sandwiches and big platters of cheese and fruit for everyone to enjoy. Hey There Cupcake made some beautiful (and equally) delicious treats for everyone to enjoy.
Visit 100 Layer Cakelet to see even more photos!
Mamas involved: Isobel Benesch | Chrissy Powers | Tea Lopez | Mary Lauren | Ali Langreen | Liz Cannon | Amie Calico
Vendors: Venue: Branches & Barrels | Styling/Design: Beijos Events | Florals: MV Florals | Rentals: Adore Folklore | Tabletop: Hostess Haven | Food: The Cheese Store San Diego | Desserts: Hey There Cupcake | Photography: Kayla Adams | Dresses: Van de Vort
